Ok, I have a male Bichon that is about, oh, 6 months old. Great little pup...fun, energetic (sometimes TOO much), and always wants to be in my lap. He's an indoor dog...indoors all day, walks 2-3 times a week outside. Gets an hour or two a day of play time.

BUT...

Lately, when I leave for work or something to do in the evening and I have to leave him alone at home, he obviously gets REAL sad...lays down, acts a little mopey, etc. When I get home, I find his piddle-pad all torn up...pieces of it EVERYWHERE! I was getting upset at him at first, trying to make him understand that doing that was not making me happy (since I understand this breed WANTS to make it's owner happy)...never hitting or the sort, though. Reading a little online I've been trying a different approach...just come home, see his 'destructiveness', and just kinda blow it off...not scolding him for fear that he does this BECAUSE when I come home I scold him (for tearing it up).

Anyway, I'm confused as much as I'm sure he is. I need some guidance as to how I can keep him from doing this. He has the ENTIRE kitchen to himself (blocked off from the rest of the house while I'm gone) so he has plenty of play space as well as plenty of toys.

A couple of suggestions, since it does sound like he's acting out because he's missing you.

Try leaving a radio, music or TV playing so he won't feel totally alone and give him a blanket or old shirt or something with your scent on it in his bed. A Kong toy stuffed with peanut butter and treats and frozen (so it will take him a long time to deal with) should help distract him from being lonely as well.

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***8206;"silence is the language of god, all else is poor translation."
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In addition to Renee's suggestions, it may be helpful to give him a good run before you leave the house get him tired out a bit so he has less energery to focus on being alone. Never make a big fuss when leaving or upon returning home. Instead, ignore him (I know this is difficult to do) about 5 -10 minutes prior to leaving and upon returning home. Also, try to change your routine prior to leaving. Vary the things you normally do before leaving for work so that your dog is less likely to anticipate your departure adn become anxious before you even leave. Wake up put on your coat, grab your purse/keys, get in the shower....practice "leaving" when you really are'nt leaving as well. Sometimes even walk out the door and then come back in. You want him to be unable to predict when you're really leaving or how long you will be gone for.
Rotate his toys too. Give him 3 or 4 toys today but keep the rest put away. Tomorrow pick up yesterdays toys and put out 3 or 4 different ones and continue to rotate daily to keep him from getting bored with his toys.

My pups did this for a while i tried the whole radio thing but they just ended up barking or howling along with it so i have got them accostummed to the noise of a box fan and you can leave or sleep through the whole night(breakthrough) they seem to enjoy it a lot .

also, crate training and behavior modification could prove conductive. Even a medication from your vet. may help, even if it's just for a short time. Having a friend or pet sitter to take your pup on a walk during mid-day may help. Also never say "hello" or acknowledge your pup when you come home... just come in, do your thing.. and then give attention. The same goes for leaving, never say "bye" or anything, just put him/her in the crate and leave. Sep. Anxiety is usually, not always, cured when they become older.... some needs to be on meds, some only for a short time, some... not at all with certain modifications....good luck